Central Michigan University Athletics
Hill Hopes To Impact Students' Lives
10/15/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 15, 2001
by Andrea Wieczorek
Sports Information Intern
After the last ball has been hiked and block has been made, Anders Hill (Iron Mountain/Sr.) will finish writing his pages of Central Michigan University football and look forward to the next chapters in life.
This coming summer, Anders will marry his fiance, Theresa. The two have been dating for a little over one year. His former teammate, Nick Ferguson, held a barbecue and invited Anders and Theresa separately in hopes that the two would hit it off. Anders had no idea of the set-up.
"I didn't have time to be nervous about meeting her. I didn't know it was going to happen, but I'm glad it did. She's great and has calmed me down. My friends notice how happy I am, too," said Hill.
Becoming a teacher is something else that makes Anders happy. He will be student teaching next fall and hopes to become a biology teacher in the Upper Peninsula. "I've always enjoyed biology and really want to teach it up north," said Hill.
The serenity of living in the Upper Peninsula provides a slower pace of life but also the need for entertainment. For this center, playing football was a way to stay occupied.
Athletics provided entertainment for the Hill family growing up in Hancock, Mich. Doug Hill, Anders' father, used to climb snow-covered hills to ski down. His hard work and dedication led him to the title of NCAA downhill "Skiier of the Year" in the late 1960's. He was fortunate enough to earn a tryout for the Olympics due to his success.
Anders is proud of his father's accomplishments and gets emotional but laughs when reminiscing about his father's team picture. "He was the skinniest on the team with the biggest glasses," said Hill.
Another important family member to Anders is his older brother, Tyler. Tyler and Anders are best friends. "Whenever I'm home, he'll want to pass rush and I'll block him," said Hill. "We workout with each other whenever we can and he helps me with football plays." Tyler played defensive line at Michigan Tech.
Hill has had many teachers in life including parents, friends, coaches and his faith. His parents have taught him the value of family and how important he is to them. "My parents would drive almost eight hours to come to my games from Hancock. They made it to almost every game unless my brother was playing the same day. Since they've moved to Iron Mountain it's about six hours," said Hill.
Friends have been Anders' support system while at Central. He's been involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for the past two years. "It's nice to share with other athletes the challenges we face and how to deal with them," said Hill. "It's a great place to meet people. I talk with athletes from the basketball and track teams a lot."
Coaches have prepared Anders to be ready at all times. "To prepare for games, I watch film, dream about the game and try to see all of the possibilities and calls," said Hill. Against Western Michigan in 1999, Anders played his first extended game as a sophomore.
The starting center suffered an injury at the beginning of the second quarter. Anders was called on to fill in. "I said a prayer and jumped right in," said Hill.
Prayers and faith have given Anders strength in his college years. "God is my motivation to do well. I want to be the best center I can be and I trust God with my successes and failures," said Hill. "I try not to get to high or low on myself. I don't want to waste one single day."
Anders' did not want to forfeit the chance to play in each game, either. Hill took every snap at center for a string of 13 straight games, including all 11 in 2000 and the first two games this year.
The 6-5, 285-pound center had his nose to the grindstone in high school as well. Hill was an all-state pick twice and listed in the top 25 in the Detroit Free Press poll. He also lettered in track, basketball and skiing. Anders holds school records in shot and discus at Hancock High School.
Hill's hobbies include golf, racquetball and reading.